Property OwnershipIntermediateNorth Carolina Exam

In NC, a 'riparian right' refers to a landowner's right to:

ADrill for oil and gas beneath their property

BUse water from a stream or river that borders or crosses their propertyCorrect

CBuild structures over a neighbor's land

DRestrict public access to all water on their property, as a general rule

Why Use water from a stream or river that borders or crosses their property Is Correct

Answer B: Use water from a stream or river that borders or crosses their property

Riparian rights in NC give landowners whose property borders or contains a stream or river the right to make reasonable use of the water. NC follows the 'reasonable use' doctrine for riparian water rights.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

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Key Terms to Know

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).

Encumbrance

Any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to real property that affects its value or limits its use.